Youthtown Enterprise builds the skills, confidence, and mindset young people need to thrive in life, work, and future careers. Delivered free to schools and communities, this two-level programme develops enterprise, financial, and digital skills through hands-on learning and mentoring. 

Co-designed with the University of Auckland’s Centre for Community Research and Evaluation, and funded by the Ministry of Youth Development, the programme supports rangatahi to discover their strengths, grow their confidence, and turn their ideas into action. 

Level 1: Enterprise Foundations

The first stage of Youthtown Enterprise introduces young people to what enterprise means from teamwork and communication to money, markets, and innovation.

Through fun, practical workshops and real-world projects, participants: 

• Build digital and financial literacy
  
• Strengthen communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills 
  
• Develop confidence and resilience
  
• Explore how businesses work and where their skills fit 

Programme Outcomes

• Enhanced Entrepreneurial Mindset: Improved confidence and belief in the possibility of starting a business, and how to have the confidence to share the idea
• Network Expansion: Increased social capital and networking opportunities
• Pathway Exploration: Greater understanding and clarity about potential career paths in entrepreneurship

Co-designed with rangatahi

Youthtown Enterprise was developed with support from the University of Auckland’s Centre for Community Research and Evaluation, led by Dr Laura Chubb.  

Young people from South Auckland secondary schools took part in talanoa-based consultation, alongside interviews with local entrepreneurs. Their voices shaped the structure, topics, and learning approach used in the programme today. 

The research findings – Insights from the Experts: Preliminary participatory design recommendations for a New Zealand youth enterprise programme (Chubb et al., 2023) – continue to guide how the programme is delivered and improved. 

Level 1 helps rangatahi discover their own potential and prepare for the next step in their enterprise journey. 

Level 2: Building Entrepreneurial Capital (BEC)

For those ready to go further, Building Entrepreneurial Capital (BEC) is a 16-week programme for rangatahi exploring what entrepreneurship could mean for their future. 

BEC builds both the practical skills and mindset needed to succeed in business.  

Participants learn through workshops, mentoring, and real-world case studies on: 

• Mindsets and skillsets of entrepreneurs
  
• Products, services, and pricing
  
• Business planning and pitching ideas
  
• Marketing, sustainability, and resilience
  
• Funding opportunities and working with mentors 

Participants are supported by Youthtown facilitators, local entrepreneurs, and industry speakers while tracking their progress and reflecting on their personal growth. 

Programme Outcomes

• Young people develop enterprise skills, including increased digital and financial literacy.
  
• Young people feel they have improved their preparedness for engaging in work and business environments.
• Young people increase their communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

Read more about Building Entrepreneurial Capital (BEC) here!

Why Enterprise Matters

The world of work is changing fast. By developing enterprise skills early, rangatahi gain the confidence to adapt, innovate, and make a positive difference in their communities and careers. 

Youthtown Enterprise Programme is delivered with evidence-based youth development practice and is aligned with the Youthtown curriculum and the King's Trust's Te Kete Aronui principles of Equity, Economy, and Efficacy. 

Get Involved!

We currently deliver the Youth Enterprise programme in South Auckland with the support of the Ministry of Youth Development. If you are based in South Auckland and would like to find out more or bring Youthtown Enterprise to your school or community, get in touch:

📞 0800 004 566 

📧 info@youthtown.org.nz